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Today is Friday, June 19, 2026
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City of Whitewater Public Test of Election Machines – Monday @ 10:00 a.m.
City of Whitewater Municipal Building, 2nd floor Cravath Lakefront Conference Room, 312 W. Whitewater St.
City of Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission – Monday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible action on retaining the stump and replacing all signage at the
Territorial Oak until a time when rot or hazard dictates removal of the stump; Discussion regarding annual tree sale
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater St
In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86740339960?pwd=Vq2Y4CsbTA4vMOaVIiqno7Tz0JxQWx.1
Meeting ID: 867 4033 9960 Passcode: 110869
One tap mobile +13126266799,,86740339960#,,,,110869#
City of Whitewater Police and Fire Commission – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes CLOSED SESSION, FOLLOWED BY OPEN SESSION: Interview of Police Detective Candidate
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room, 312 West Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/905031261
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 905-031-261
United States: +1 (408) 650-3123
City of Whitewater Finance Committee – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion with Greg Johnson from Ehler’s regarding TIF and Developer’s Agreements, Contract with new city attorney, Stipend for city manager for covering economic development during possible vacancy in director position
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater St
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88542815829
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID: 885 4281 5829
Please join the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in congratulating our 569 Fall 2024 graduates from the Eau Claire and Barron County campuses.
Local students who received degrees and their fields of study are:
Whitewater, WI
Emma Jordan, College of Arts and Sciences, Bachelor of Science, Psychology
Editor’s note: The above press release was received from UW-Eau Claire.
Join the Whitewater Common Sense Citizens and citizens of Whitewater, WI on March 27, 2025 at 6 pm at 841 Brewhouse (located 841 E Milwaukee St, Whitewater, WI 53190).
We will be discussing multifamily apartment subsidies (TIF – Tax Increment Financing projects) and their impact on the taxpayers and community of the City of Whitewater.
For more information, contact us:
Whitewater Common Sense Citizens
Ben Holden
414-659-0938
atucraze@gmail.com
FB page: Whitewater Common Sense Citizens
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571944004505
The Whitewater Unified School District is proposing a $30 million capital referendum on the April 1st ballot to address our schools’ most pressing needs. To assist community members in learning more about these needs, a set of short videos is linked at www.whitewaterreferendum.org. Additionally, these videos will be shared out on the school district’s social media platforms. For community members who have remaining questions or feedback, please complete the brief form at the bottom of the www.whitewaterreferendum.org site.
Readers may view all fourteen of the videos from the link above, but for a few days the Banner has featured several videos per day with introductions to the direct links that will be provided. The earlier post regarding tech ed may be viewed here, and the one showing the ag area is available here.
Laura Masbruch: Robotics Team – 2:09 (two minutes, nine seconds)
Laura Masbruch, Robotics Team Advisor and veteran Math/Computer Science Teacher, showcases the current robotics team space. Limited by space constraints, the program would greatly benefit from the expansion and improvements funded by the April 1 referendum. This video may be viewed here.
WHS Cafeteria Crowding Timelapse – :53
This timelapse video shows the inability of the Whitewater High School cafeteria to accommodate the school’s student population and the crowding that occurs daily.
Dave Friend: Doors in Need of Repair/Safe Doors – :44
Dave Friend, Director of Buildings and Grounds, highlights one of the many problematic doors at Whitewater High School. Many district doors are in poor condition, compromising safety. Safe and secure doors and entryways are a key focus of the April 1 referendum. Passing the referendum will provide funding to replace these doors, ensuring a safer environment for students, staff, and the community. Friend demonstrates what a high-quality, secure door should look like. This video may be viewed with this link.
Dave Friend: New Bus Loop and Parent Drop-off/Pickup Area at WMS – 1:18
A new bus loop serving both Lincoln Elementary and Whitewater Middle School would open up the former middle school bus loop for parent drop-off/pickup of students. This safety enhancement is among the improvements that would be funded by the referendum. Please click here to view this video.
Dave Friend: Washington Elementary School Windows – :56
WUSD Buildings and Grounds Director, Dave Friend, explains the urgent need for new windows at Washington Elementary School. Click here to view this video.
Dave Friend: WHS Tennis Courts – :34
Dave Friend provides a look at Whitewater High School’s aging tennis courts, built in the 1990’s. If the April 1 referendum is approved, they will be replaced with modern, safer courts for student-athletes and the community. This is just one of the many capital improvements included in the referendum. This video may be viewed here.
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the Whitewater Unified School District.
For the past twelve years, the Discover Whitewater Series (DWS) has collaborated with the university, the city, the Whitewater Unified School District, and the Greater Whitewater Committee. DWS is proud to announce we will be hosting the thirteenth annual Half Marathon, Half Marathon Team Event, 5k, and Kids Korral. The DWS team is excited to announce that the thirteenth annual DWS will be held on September 21st, 2025.
The DWS was delayed in organizing the 13th annual DWS race due to Walworth Avenue soon being under construction. Despite these challenges, our team has put in lots of time and effort to create the best possible 5k and Half-Marathon map for the runners to enjoy.
This year, DWS will feature a retro racecourse created in the 1980s and 90s, parts of which were run by Olympic Qualifiers! Once the changes were complete, we were required to get approval from various governing bodies, including the township, university, and city, before proceeding. We are pleased to announce that we have received all final approvals, and the 13th annual DWS is moving forward with organizing the race.
With the new retro race maps, the Executive Committee decided to have the start line on Schwager Dr. and the finish line at UW-Whitewater’s Perkins Stadium. Due to the closure of Walworth Avenue, packet pick up will no longer be at the Whitewater High School, instead it will be located at UW-Whitewater’s Kachel Gymnasium. As the DWS team moves forward with finalizing race details, registration on the DWS website will be opening very soon. Make sure to check our website daily, as many updates will come soon.
About the DWS
The goal of the DWS is to promote the City of Whitewater and highlight its greatest features, while keeping everyone in the community active. All the proceeds from the race are donated to four local non-profit partners: Bethel House (which provides interim housing for homeless families), Whitewater LEADS, Whitewater Foundation-Athletics, and the J-Hawk Aquatic Club. The DWS partners with the city, business community, university, and the school district to make this a tremendous event that benefits all who participate. For more information about the race visit www.runwhitewater.com.
Editor’s note: This press release was received from DWS.
Steve Watson writes, “Every walk is an adventure.
A pair of swans on a migration layover this morning. 2-27-25.”
Our thanks to Steve Watson for another beautiful wildlife photo.
— Our Readers Share: We hope that you might have something that you’d be willing to share. Anything that’s been created by someone else should, of course, be credited, and you should ask their permission if you’re able. We cannot post copyrighted material without permission. We can’t guarantee that we’ll have space for all submissions, and contributions will be subject to editorial board approval. The one definite exclusion is anything politically oriented. We will assume that you’re willing for us to include your name as the submitter unless you indicate that you prefer to remain anonymous. Send to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com. Thanks for thinking about this!
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Photos courtesy of Andy Ognenoff
Saint Peter, Minn. — The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater finished second at the 2025 National Collegiate Gymnastics Association Championships Saturday as Paige Magel (Cary, Ill./Prairie Ridge) and Tegan Haberstock (Alberta, Canada/National Sport School) shared the individual national title on the balance beam. The Warhawk coaching staff was also recognized with a number of honors.
UW-Whitewater finished as the national runner-up behind the second-highest team total in program history, 194.025. That score was bolstered by a program record on the balance beam – 48.875 – where three Warhawks finished among the top eight including two that shared gold. Magel and Haberstock registered phenomenal routines scoring 9.85 to share gold on the beam in a six-way tie for first place. The pair are the fifth and sixth Warhawks in program history to secure an individual national title on the balance beam. Chloe Hammond (Ankeny, Iowa/Ankeny) added All-America honors in the event with a seventh-place score of 9.825. Sofia Spadafora (Windsor, Ontario, Canada/Saint Thomas of Villanova) and Kelsey Kollhoff (Miamisburg, Ohio/Miamisburg) each registered 9.675s to help UWW break the program record on the apparatus.
The Warhawks’ first event of the 2025 championships saw the second-highest team total in program history recorded – a 49.025 on the floor exercise. Elaine Copeland (Arlington, Texas/University Prep) and Carleigh Moore (Oregon, Wis./Oregon) led the way with 9.825s to share sixth and claim their first career All-America honors. Zoe Jenks-Recker (Cottage Grove, Wis./Monona Grove) and Kollhoff posted 9.8s while Ariana Goodwin (Elgin, Ill./The Einstein Academy) registered a 9.775 to round out UWW’s scoring five.
On the vault, Ava Pesch (Waterford, Wis./Waterford Union) paced UW-Whitewater with a 9.675. Moore added a 9.65 followed by Alayna Fern (Gainesville, Fla./Gainesville) (9.625), Hammond (9.625) and Copeland (9.575).
Kollhoff secured her fourth career All-America honor on the uneven bars. The senior’s impressive routine scored a 9.75 to share bronze in the event. Pesch posted a 9.625 while Carley Scott (Oak Grove, Mo./Grain Valley) and Magel each registered scores of 9.55. Copeland added a 9.5 on the event.
Following competition, Head Coach Jennifer Regan was named the NCGA Coach of the Year for the third time in her tenure at UWW (2009, 2017). Coach Regan was also honored as the NCGA West Region Coach of the Year this season – the fourth time she’s been recognized with the regional award. Additionally, Chloe Edgren and Acacia Fossum were named the NCGA West Region Assistant Coaches of the Year – the seventh time the honor has been bestowed upon the Warhawk staff since 2008.
The NCGA also recognized the 2025 All-Americans in Academics that include Warhawks Carley Scott (Oak Grove, Mo./Grain Valley), Fern, Jenks-Recker and Gracie Talley (Collierville, Tenn./Briarcrest Christian).
This season marks the 13th time since 2007 the Warhawks have finished among the top three nationally as a team.
As is tradition at the national championship, after all of the scores are announced, awards handed out and honors recognized, the seniors gather in a circle on the floor – coming together one last time – as all of their teammates surround them in a larger circle while music is played. This season, that circle was missing an important piece of the Warhawk family. The 2025 team has persevered through incredible adversity this season to achieve exceptional levels of success. The team has leaned on each other, supported each other and competed for each other, but above all, they did it For Her – for Kara. So as the seniors gathered in the circle with a photo of Kara firmly planted at their side, they stood together, surrounded by their teammates and the gymnastics community, a fitting end to a remarkable season.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by UW-Whitewater Athletics.
The League of Women Voters – Whitewater Area School Board Candidate Forum on March 15 brought out a great turnout of citizens wishing to hear the views of the four candidates running for the Whitewater Unified School District board. Two seats are open: those of Miguel Aranda and Jennifer Kienbaum, both of whom are running for re-election. The other candidates are Nick Baldwin and Wayne Redenius.
For a video of this forum, visit www.youtube.com/@WWTV990. At the bottom of the page in the video section, click on LWV WUSD School Board Candidate Forum 2025. The video also plays periodically on Spectrum 990. The forum was an hour and a half long. All of the candidates also answered the questions on the League sponsored www.vote411.org website. By entering one’s address a voter may view all of the competitive races on their ballot.
Early in-person absentee voting is open at the municipal clerk’s office, 312 W Whitewater St., 2nd floor, the week of March 24: Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., and Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 1 p.m. The election is on April 1 at the Downtown Armory and the James R. Connor University Center. Hours are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Photos courtesy of Tom Ganser
Obituaries
Marion Jauch Burrows (Feb. 2, 1930 – June 5, 2026) Her sparkling eyes, warm laugh, and generous ways were gifts Marion brought into this world, touching family members and friends alike over the ninety-six years of her life. She was born and raised in Lombard, IL, and in the course of her life lived with her husband and growing family in Abilene, TX, St. David’s, PA, Arkadelphia, AR, Ada, OK, and Colorado Springs, CO, before settling in Whitewater, WI, in 1965. Generosity of heart, compassion toward those in need in and beyond her community, and an unwavering commitment to fairness … Read more
Patricia “Pat” Lynn Bailey, age 70, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2026 with her daughter by her side. Pat was born February 21, 1956 in Ann Arbor, Michigan to John and Ruth (Hudock) Prentice. After a brief time in Ann Arbor, the Prentice family moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin, where Pat grew up as part of the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater community, where her father served as University Registrar. Pat attended the University School and later graduated from UW Whitewater with a degree in Elementary Education. Although she did not pursue teaching, she built a meaningful career in Human … Read more
Gemelino Paris Esperante, 83, long time resident of Whitewater, passed away on Thursday, June 4th, 2026. He was born on January 10, 1943, to his late father and mother, Evaristo and Carmen in Spain. In 1973 he moved to the United States as a sheep herder. On August 21, 1981, he was united in marriage to Cyndie Esperante in Colorado. Gemelino also worked in Mining and construction for many years. He enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, raising sheep and growing things in his garden, and flowers. He will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife … Read more
Mary Ann Warner died peacefully on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at Crestridge Assisted Living in Dodgeville. Her physical heart failed, but her actual, loving heart never did. Ann was born June 28, 1939 to Mary and Charles Kearns in Iowa. She moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin and graduated with many dear friends in the class of 1957. Ann married John Warner on September 19, 1959. They lived in Whitewater, Sturgis Michigan, and finally settled in Janesville where they built a beautiful life and raised their family. Together, they ran a business, traveled, played cards, and enjoyed their lives. When they became … Read more
Patricia Ann Jacobson (Bureau), age 81, of Whitewater, WI, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, WI. Born on September 2, 1944, in Marquette, MI, to the late Donald and Margaret Bureau, Pat grew up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. She graduated from Graveraet High School, attended Michigan State University, and later earned her bachelor’s degree from Northern Michigan University. Pat dedicated her professional life to shaping young minds, working as an elementary and junior high school teacher in both Flint, MI, and Whitewater, WI. At the heart of Pat’s life was a beautiful, … Read more
In loving memory of Lois Lauritzen, age 92, who passed away on June 1, 2026 at Lakewood Memory Care in Brookfield. Lois led an active life full of devotion to family and friends. Born July 14th, 1933 in Silvis, IL, daughter of Harry and Elsie Wilson, she grew up in the Quad Cities with older brother Harry Wilson Jr. Lois graduated from Augustana College in Rock Island, IL with a degree in physical education. She met her husband Paul Lauritzen on the college tennis team. Their marriage on June 12th, 1955 lasted 59 years until Paul’s death on September 26th, … Read more
Donald Walter Triebold passed on to his eternal home on May 21, 2026. Don was born on April 23, 1935, in Evanston, IL, to the late Frederick W. and Mildred (nee Stecher) Triebold. Through his teen years, Don lived and worked on the family’s dairy farm, where he developed a life-long work ethic. His first eight years of education were in a one-room country schoolhouse, in which all eight grades were taught by one teacher. He graduated from Whitewater City High School in 1953 and then graduated from UW Whitewater in 1958 with a degree in Business Education. He continued his education, and earned a Master’s … Read more
William Kincaid Davis, age 84, passed away on Tuesday, May 19 at Agrace Hospice Center in Fitchburg. He was born on November 1, 1941, in Madison, Indiana, the second son of Salvation Army Officers Agnes (Dixon) and William C. Davis. He attended several schools in Indiana and Illinois, including University of Illinois Experimental High School (Champaign), and graduated from Galesburg High School in 1958. He earned his bachelor’s degree from UW-Eau Claire in 1964 and his master’s degree from UW-Whitewater in 1972. He had an expansive career in education, beginning as an English teacher in Whitehall, Thornton Township (IL) and … Read more
Magdalene “Maggie” Stetter (nee Fritz), 79, of Whitewater, Wisconsin passed from this life onto the next on Monday, May 4, 2026. She was born on January 16, 1947, to the late John and Mary (Presser) Fritz in St. Stefan, Austria. Maggie immigrated from Austria with her parents and brother, became a US citizen, and grew up and attended school in West Allis, WI and then graduated with a teaching degree from University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. Maggie served as a substitute, English, and German language teacher in the Whitewater, Elkhorn, Delavan, and Palmyra schools and at Divine Word Seminary. Maggie … Read more
Lawrence “Larry” C. Hartung, a proud Marine Veteran of the Vietnam War, and longtime resident of Fort Atkinson, WI, passed away peacefully at his home on May 1, 2026. Larry was born June 7th, 1949, to Levon and Charles Hartung in Chicago, IL. Larry enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1968 and served 3 consecutive tours in the Vietnam War. During this time, he became pen pals with his future wife, Candy, via a connection through his father. In 1970, he came home on leave to marry Candy. They celebrated 55 years of marriage on October 31st, 2025. During … Read more
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